New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) are offering youth ages 12 through 15 an opportunity to hunt waterfowl with an ECO this fall, with events scheduled in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties.

St. Lawrence County hunt

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) of St. Lawrence County are partnering with the Massena Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the DEC Wildlife staff at the Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area to offer youth between the ages of 12 and 15 the opportunity to hunt waterfowl and pheasant this coming fall. This opportunity consists of a three-day event beginning with an in-class lesson at the Massena Rod and Gun Club on Thursday, Sept. 10, which will prepare the youth to spend the next two Saturdays hunting.

Those interested must possess a New York State small game hunting license.  The event is free, and equipment will be provided if necessary. The event is hosted by the Massena Rod and Gun club and sponsored by the New York Conservation Officers Association (the NYCOA), the NWTF, and the St. Lawrence County Sportsmen’s Federation.

WHAT: St. Lawrence County Youth Waterfowl and Pheasant Hunt
WHERE: Massena Rod and Gun Club, 155 Patterson Road, Massena, NY 13662
COST: Free Program for Youth Ages 12 to 15
Educational day: Thursday, September 10, 2020 at 5 P.M.
Hunting days: Saturday, September 19, 2020, for waterfowl;
Saturday, September 26, for pheasant.

For more information and to sign-up for the event, please contact Lt. Troy Basford at (315) 265-2757, or ECO Ian Helmer at 315-559-8503.

Jefferson County hunt

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) are offering youth ages 12 through 15 an opportunity to hunt waterfowl with an ECO this fall. This is the program’s 11th year. The annual youth waterfowl hunt is a two-day event with an educational day located at the Sackets Harbor Sportsmen’s Club beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, Sept.13, and a hunt day on Saturday, Sept.19.

WHAT: 11th Annual Jefferson County Youth Waterfowl Hunt
WHERE: Sackets Harbor Sportsmen’s Club, 17500 County Route 66 (Salt Point Road), Sackets Harbor, NY
COST: Free for youth 12 to 15
Educational Day: Sunday, Sept. 13, 9 a.m.
Hunt Day: Saturday, Sept.19

Interested youth hunters must possess a New York State small game license and register with the Harvest Information Program (H.I.P.). The event is free to participants and all equipment provided if necessary. The event is hosted by the Sackets Harbor Sportsmen’s Club and sponsored by the Northern New York Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the New York Conservation Officers Association (NYCOA).

Signup sheets are available at the Sackets Harbor Sportsmen’s Club, 17500 County Route 66 (Salt Point Rd); Akins Archery, 25834 NY-12, Watertown, VanTassel’s Gunsmithing, 30412 NY-37, Evans Mills or can contact ECO Steve Bartoszewski at 315-489-6984 or by email at steven.bartoszewski@dec.ny.gov. Youth interested in participating need to sign up prior to Sept. 8.